truh-JEK-tur-ee
/tɹəˈdʒɛktɚi/
Trajectory is pronounced truh-JEK-tur-ee (/tɹəˈdʒɛktɚi/). Trajectory is a noun referring to the curved path that an object follows through space, or figuratively, a course of development or change over time. It denotes direction, arc, and momentum, often implying projection toward a target. In academic and professional contexts, it frequently describes a planned or predicted route of progress or impact.
nounTrajectory is a noun referring to the curved path that an object follows through space, or figuratively, a course of development or change over time. It denotes direction, arc, and momentum, often implying projection toward a target. In academic and professional contexts, it frequently describes a planned or predicted route of progress or impact.
"The missile followed a steep trajectory before it impacted the target."
"Her career trajectory shows a steady rise from analyst to chief strategist."
"The project’s trajectory depends on funding and stakeholder support."
Trajectory is pronounced tə-ˈrek-tə-jē, with four syllables and primary stress on the second syllable. Break it as to-rek-tuh-jee. IPA: US /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/ ; UK /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/; AU /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/. Notice the final -tory becomes -tuh-jee in natural, connected speech. Be mindful of the /t/ following /k/ and the /dʒ/ sound at the end. Practice by saying “to” + “reck” + “tuh” + “jee,” keeping the stress on the second syllable.”,
Two common errors are misplacing stress, saying tra-jectory with primary stress on the first syllable (truh-), and mispronouncing the final -tory as /-tor-ee/ instead of the /-tuh-jee/ ending. Correct by maintaining stress on the second syllable: /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/. Another slip is pronouncing the middle /k/ as a hard /k/ without linking to the /t/; keep the transition smooth: /ˈrɛk.tə/; then add /dʒi/ quickly. Mouth position: start with a relaxed lip for /tə/, raise the tongue for /ˈrɛk/, tuck the tongue for /tə/ and finish with the mid-palatal /dʒ/ sound.”,
In US and UK accents, the pattern is similar with primary stress on the second syllable. The vowel in the second syllable /ˈrɛk/ is a mid-front vowel; rhoticity mainly affects the initial /t/ cluster less than the diphthongs in other words. Australian speakers cluster the syllables with a slightly tighter /ə/ in the first and third syllables and may reduce the final /i/ slightly; the /dʒ/ remains clear. Across all three, avoid a stretched first syllable and ensure the final -jee sound is crisp. IPA references: US /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/, UK /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/, AU /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/.”,
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster transition between /k/ and /dʒ/ within a two-syllable arc, and ensuring the final /dʒi/ is not reduced into a softer /ji/ or omitted. Additionally, the sequence /ˈrɛk-tə/ requires precise timing so the stress remains on the second syllable without flattening the middle vowel. Practicing with minimal pairs that contrast /t/ vs. /dʒ/ in similar environments helps. Remember IPA cues: /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/ and mouth positions for each segment.
Trajectory has primary stress on the second syllable, a four-syllable word with a smooth, relatively unstressed first syllable and a final syllable that bears /dʒi/. The challenge is keeping the /r/ brief and linking /ˈrɛk/ to /tə/ without a strong pause, which makes it sound natural. Also, avoid turning it into three syllables by dropping the /tə/ in the middle. IPA guide: /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/.
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US vs UK vs AU: • Vowel lengths are relatively similar in US/UK; AU tends to be slightly more centralized in unstressed syllables. • /ˈrɛk/ uses a lax, mid-front vowel in all three, with r-colored vowel less prominent in non-rhotic UK; US is rhotic, but in careful speech the /r/ is still not overly strong in this word. • Ending /dʒi/ should be a single affricate; do not separate into /dʒi/ with a vowel between. • Stress remains on the second syllable across accents; ensure the second syllable is clearly stressed with a higher pitch and longer duration. IPA: US/UK/AU /təˈrɛk.tə.dʒi/.
Trajectory comes from the Latin trajectus, meaning ‘a throwing across,’ from tra- ‘across’ + tangere ‘to touch.’ The English form arrived via French trajectory, adopted in the early modern era. The root in Latin emphasizes motion across space, originally used in military and physical motion contexts. Over time, trajectory broadened to include paths of development, influence, and change, a semantic shift common to terms denoting motion or progression. First known use in English dates to the 18th century, appearing in scientific and mathematical writings to describe the path of a moving body under forces. The metaphorical extension to life courses and career progressions emerged later as scientific and analytic language permeated everyday discourse. Today, trajectory often appears in STEM, business strategy, psychology, and public policy, capturing both literal flight paths and figurative trends. The word’s precise meaning relies on geometry (arc vs. line), velocity, and gravity concepts when used literally, and on narrative framing when used metaphorically.”,
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Words that rhyme with "Trajectory"
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